Bill H.136
187th (2011 - 2012)

An Act directing the Department of Education to include a course in civics as a high school graduation requirement

Bill Title: An Act directing the Department of Education to include a course in civics as a high school graduation requirement

By Mr. Barrows of Mansfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 136) of F. Jay Barrows and others for legislation to direct the Department of Education to include a course in civics as a high school graduation requirement. Education.

SECTION 1: Section 2 of Chapter 71 of the General Laws is amended, in line 7, by inserting after “ … for the duties of citizenship.” The following:

The successful completion of a course in civics shall be mandated as a requirement for all students in order to receive their high school diploma. The department of education shall set guidelines for all school districts relative to the implementation of the civics course. At minimum, the course must educate students in the following criteria: Composition of local, state, and federal government,

Function of the branches of local, state, and federal government, Responsibilities and duties as an American citizen, Opportunities for voter participation, Exposure to current events and identification of government officials

SECTION 2: The department shall take all reasonable efforts to accomplish the establishment of necessary regulations by May 1, 2010, in order that the provisions of this act may be implemented in the following school year.

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